Photo (detail): By JIP – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=39071826

By PAM HARBAUGH

Here’s a great opportunity for area cabaret performers to study at the legendary Eugene O’Neill Theater Center in Waterford, Conn.

The O’Neill is accepting applications right now for its Cabaret & Performance Conference Fellows Program. The program runs August 3-13, with public performance opportunities nightly. Deadline to apply is April 29, 2016.

All you need to have is to be considered is talent. Don’t worry about the depth of your experience or training. The program is designed to connect those with the necessary talent, drive and heart with some of the “finest coaches and music directors in the business.”

You also should know that getting into The O’Neill is a boon to professional networking.

Those interested in applying should click here. There is a $35.00 USD application fee. Please direct any questions about the Conference to Anne G. Morgan, Literary Manager, at (860) 443-5378 ext. 227 or email litoffice@theoneill.org.

If you want to know more about this, then read the following which comes directly from the program’s press release:

“Under artistic leadership of Grammy and Emmy Award-winner John McDaniel, the Conference reexamines, redefines, and revitalizes the Cabaret art form for the 21st century. Selected individuals are provided with an intense course of study, and hands-on artistic guidance and instruction. With 3-hour workshops and master classes daily, Fellows train and prepare for public performances during the conference, and experiment with new material at nightly open mic sessions. Past fellows have developed relationships that offer fruitful opportunities as they move forward through their performing careers.

“Barb Jungr and Lennie Watts return as Master Teachers for 2016, working closely with the Fellows throughout the Conference. Master classes with guest artists are a vital component of the training, including recent artists Betty Buckley, Tommy Tune, and Shirley Jones. Guest Artists for 2016 will be announced shortly.

“John McDaniel, Artistic Director of the Cabaret & Performance Conference, notes, ‘I am thrilled to be welcomed back to the O’Neill this summer and greatly look forward to my fourth season as Artistic Director. The Fellows remain an important facet to the Conference and we fully intend to nurture performers in this art form by creating an atmosphere of learning, growth, and fun.’

“The Cabaret & Performance Conference received the 2014 Board of Directors Award from the Manhattan Association of Cabarets & Clubs for the program’s contributions to cabaret artists and the art form since launching in 1989.

“John McDaniel (Artistic Director) Conductor, pianist, composer, orchestrator, record producer, Grammy and two-time Emmy Award winner, John McDaniel was seen leading the band daily on The Rosie O’Donnell Show for its entire six year run. His recent Broadway credits include Bonnie & Clyde, for which John received a Drama Desk nomination for Best Orchestrations; Catch Me If You Can; and Brooklyn, which he also orchestrated and produced. Please visit www.theoneill.org/summer-conferences/cabaret/artistic-director/ to view Mr. McDaniel’s impressive full biography.”